Articles in Category: Big Tusker Project

Tsavo Trust took possession of Super Cub 5Y NRF on 4th December 2017. This was made possible by generous funding support from the Oak Foundation and the Davies Family. A huge thank you to them.

The Super Cub is an ideal aircraft for the type of flying required on aerial reconnaissance flights over Tsavo during Big Tusker Project operations. Slow, low level flight allows for effective reconnaissance by both the pilot and a rear seat observer. The Super Cub is also a relatively inexpensive aircraft to operate, providing an essential and highly effective element to the Big Tusker Project.

Two Kamungi Conservancy Scouts successfully graduate from the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani, Tsavo

On the 17th of November 2017, two Kamungi Community scouts successfully passed out from the two month Wildlife Conservancy Supervisor's Course at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy at Manyani in Tsavo. The course covered the following subjects; Drill, Bush Craft, First Aid, General Law, Battle Porcedure Order, Disaster Management, Method of Instructional Technique, Radio communication, Leadership, Fitness Training, Wildlife Education, Wildlife Act and Land Navigation.

Senior KWS officials at the event included KWS Deputy Director of Parks and Reserves, and Commandant of the KWS Law Enforcement Academy.

Jonathan Truss is deeply concerned about the plight of elephants, so many times the subject of his paintings, but in his latest he has attempted a world first - to paint a life sized "Big Tusker" elephant on canvas! This unique painting is now on sale, and the artist is accepting offers directly via his website.

Date photographed 20th June 2017, at Mudanda water hole in Tsavo East NP.Richard Moller took the photos in the company of Tusk Senior Officials – Charlie Mayhew and Dr Samantha Corsellis.As the small cow / calf herd approached the water hole we noticed one calf to be very different in colour to the others. Once in the water and the Tsavo dust washed off, it became apparent that this little male ele calf was pink and close to looking albino. His eye lashes were long and pale, his skin very pink, even his eyes seemed a different colour.What was interesting is that his mother took extreme care of him, not letting him move more than a meter from her – as if she realised something was different.

During the recently concluded Tsavo Conservation Area (TCA) Aerial Census, the recent elephant carcass of the Tusker known as Kamboyo was located with ivory intact on 20th February 2017.

The aircraft and crew that found this carcass called in the Tsavo Trust aircraft that was counting the nearby block and Josh (TT pilot) confirmed this was indeed the carcass and ivory of Kamboyo. Kamboyo had been named by Tsavo Trust in March 2013 and was last seen alive on 17th January 2017. He was one of Tsavo’s elephant Ambassadors. His ivory weighed 53.5kg and 52.5kg (118 and 116lbs).

The elephant poaching epidemic sweeping across Africa is causing an outpouring of grief and outrage around the world. Simultaneously, many people are telling us they feel frustrated, because they want to help but do not know how they can make a positive difference.

With great sadness, we report the death of Satao, one of Tsavo’s most iconic and well-loved tuskers. This magnificent elephant was widely known in Tsavo East National Park, where he was observed with awe by many thousands of Tsavo’s visitors over the years. No longer will Tsavo and Kenya benefit from his mighty presence. Satao was shot dead by poisoned arrow on 30th May 2014.

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